THE Rest and Be Thankful has been blocked in both directions after multiple landslips on the A83.
The route became covered in debris following an estimated 65mm of rainfall across Argyll and Bute yesterday.
Debris has also blocked the Old Military Road, which has previously been mobilised to use as an alternative route.
It means drivers face a diversion of almost 60 miles.
Roadside assessments appear to show there is still movement on the hillside and it is unsafe to begin clear-up operations or carry out further investigations.
Both routes will remain closed overnight and safety assessments began at first light today.
⌚07.35#A83 remains ⛔CLOSED⛔ in both directions between Rest and be Thankful and Arrochar
— Traffic Scotland (@trafficscotland) August 5, 2020
Diversion information can be found here: https://t.co/xFZmBChl97@NWTrunkRoads https://t.co/54DEa7EOzi
Specialist geotechnical contractors have carried out initial visual assessments from the roadside, however analysis has concluded there is still movement on the hillside.
They say it is therefore unsafe to begin clean-up operations or carry out further assessments. A diversion route has been put in place between Tarbet and Cairndow via the A83, A82, A85 and A819.
Temporary traffic lights are installed on the A82 at Inveruglas after heavy rain also impacted a retaining wall.
Additional sailings are running on Western Ferries this morning to accommodate motorists.
Discounted tickets will be available at the Hunter's Quay ticket kiosk, and anyone using ferries is urged to wear face-coverings as per Scottish Government guidance.
Transport Scotland has issued the following diversion advice:
Westbound
- Turn right onto the A82 at Tarbet and follow the road until Crianlarich
- Turn left onto A82 and continue until Tyndrum
- Turn left onto the A85 and continue until Dalmally
- Turn left onto A819 and follow the road until Inveraray. Thereafter follow permanent signing.
Distance: 58.8 miles
Eastbound
- At Inveraray, turn left onto the A819 then follow the road until Dalmally.
- Turn right onto the A85 and continue until Tyndrum.
- Turn right onto the A82 and follow the road to Crianlarich
- Turn right onto A82 and follow the road until Tarbet
Distance: 58.8 miles
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel